DIY Laser Projector

A laser projector shoots beams of laser light in all directions to provide a spectacular "light show" in the dark. You can make a laser projector without needing expertise in how lasers work. You will need a green laser pointer purchased from a hobby store or drugstore, as well as some hardware supplies and household tools. The green laser pointer may not look as good as a commercial model, but the laser light it puts out will look just as good to anyone who is watching.

Things You'll Need

• Green laser pointer
• 2-inch-by-2-inch refracted glass sheet
• Bonding glue
• 3-volt motor
• Two 1-inch diameter galvanized metal pipes1 foot long
• 1-inch diameter galvanized metal pipe, 6 inches long
• 1-inch diameter galvanized metal pipe, 4 inches long
• Four 1-inch diameter galvanized metal elbow joints
• Newspaper
• Two "AA" batteries
• "AA" battery snap
• Electrical tape
• Duct tape

Instructions

Laser Projector Stand

1. Place the 4-inch galvanized metal pipe vertically on a table. Place elbow joints on both ends of the 4-inch galvanized metal pipe with the open end of one elbow joint facing up and the open end of the other elbow joint facing to the right.

2. Place one end of the 6-inch galvanized metal pipe into the elbow joint facing to the right. Place an elbow joint on the other end of the 6-inch galvanized metal pipe with the open end facing up.

3. Place one end of each of the two 1-foot galvanized metal pipes into the open ends of the two elbow joints. Place an elbow joint onto the free end of the 1-foot galvanized metal pipe that is attached to the upward-facing elbow joint. Rotate the elbow joint that was just attached so that it is facing to the left.

Making The Laser

1. Place a sheet of newspaper on the table. Place the refractive glass on the newspaper. Cut a hole in the center of the refractive glass with the utility knife. Apply a drop of bonding glue around the hole. Place the end of the motor shaft into the hole. Let the bonding glue set for for a day.

2. Attach the exposed end of the black wire attached to the "AA" battery snap to the negative (-) contact on the back of the motor. Attach the wire to the contact with a strip of electrical tape. Repeat this procedure with the red wire and the positive (+) contact on the back of the motor.

3. Place the motor into the elbow joint that is facing to the left. Run the wires out of the elbow joint. Place the "AA" battery snap on the side of the elbow joint. Wrap duct tape around the "AA" battery snap to hold it to the elbow joint.

4. Apply bonding glue to the sides of the elbow joint where it meets the motor to secure the two together. Let the bonding glue set for a day.

5. Insert two "AA" batteries into the connections on the "AA" battery snap to start the refractive glass rotating.

6. Insert the green laser pointer into the elbow joint at the other end of the laser projector you have made. Turn on the green laser pointer to see green laser light shooting out in all directions from the other end of your laser projector.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not look directly into the laser light, as it can damage your retina.

References

• YouTube: DIY: How To Make A Simple Green Laser Projector!

Resources

• Laserfest: A Short History Of Laser Light Shows